As the UFC advances toward the closing months of the year, the anticipation for compelling matchups intensifies. The announced fights already promise fireworks—Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319, Tom Aspinall versus Ciryl Gane, and Merab Dvalishvili defending his bantamweight crown. Yet, the true magic lies in what could still unfold. The organization has a chance to craft thrilling narratives, redefine rivalries, and elevate fighters who are on the cusp of superstardom. The key is not just filling the schedule but selecting fights that resonate deeply with fans and push the sport forward.
What I find most compelling is the potential for storylines that break the mold—fights with baggage, with drama, with the promise of unforgettable moments. It’s about more than just the rankings; it’s about creating history in real time. The UFC’s power lies in its ability to turn hypotheticals into must-see TV, and this year still has plenty of room for such game-changing encounters.
Climactic Title Clashes in the Making
A standout for the remainder of 2023 is the welterweight title fight rumored for UFC 322 in New York. This isn’t just another bout; it epitomizes modern MMA’s evolution. Makhachev vacating the lightweight belt and moving up in weight is a pivotal moment, echoing the path his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov might have taken—if he ever considered it. The matchup between Makhachev and an emerging contender like Della Maddalena offers an intriguing blend of style and narrative. Maddalalena, still flying under the casual fan’s radar, has the makings of a star if promoted properly—especially on the grand stage of Madison Square Garden.
Makhachev’s move up in weight is critical. He’ll likely face challenges, notably physicality against a well-rounded and prime Della Maddalena—qualities that could turn this into one of the most exciting fights of the year. More than just a physical confrontation, it embodies a strategic gamble for the champions and a chance for Maddalena to cement his place among the elite. The significance lies not solely in the belts but in the broader story of growth and escalation within the sport.
Meanwhile, the Middleweight division could deliver a clash that fans have been dreaming of for years—Israel Adesanya vs. Khamzat Chimaev. While not yet official, this potential matchup symbolizes a cultural shift in the middleweight landscape. Adesanya, sitting on a three-fight losing streak, would arguably need to win convincingly to earn his tiger’s pride back. Conversely, Chimaev’s rise epitomizes the relentless pursuit of greatness, and a win over Adesanya would catapult him into superstardom. This isn’t just a bout of skill but a narrative of redemption, dominance, and legacy. It’s the kind of fight that could recalibrate a division and capture the imagination of fans worldwide.
Interestingly, the possibility of an Adesanya comeback on short notice after a Chimaev title defense adds a layer of unpredictability. The sport thrives on such pivot points, where everything can change in a flash. The UFC’s planning should keep this door open, knowing full well that fights often evolve in unexpected ways. The scene, therefore, is set for a showdown that could define the middleweight era.
High-Stakes Rivalries and the Power of Personal Narratives
The women’s featherweight division has a bout that promises to redefine women’s MMA—and perhaps carve a new chapter in its history books. Amanda Nunes versus Julia Budd or, more likely, the clash with a highly motivated and laser-focused opponent still to be named, could be monumental. But the fight that has captured imaginations is the anticipated showdown between Amanda Nunes and Raquel Harrison. A rivalry rooted in years of speculation, it embodies the very spirit of competition—every move scrutinized, every jab loaded with emotional weight.
Harrison, a former Olympic gold medalist in judo, is emerging as a serious threat. But it’s Nunes, the dominant force, who holds the narrative. Her departure from her camp and subsequent return for this potential showdown adds intrigue. If booked, this could be a historic fight, possibly the greatest women’s MMA contest of all time. It’s about legacy, resilience, and the burning desire of two fighters at their peak. This fight echoes the core of MMA: personal stories intertwined with athletic excellence.
Meanwhile, the welterweight ranks could see a rivalry explode into the mainstream—Jorge Masvidal vs. Colby Covington. The history, the trash talk, and the personal animus make this matchup a guaranteed ratings blockbuster. It’s not just about crowns; it’s about settling scores, making a statement, and perhaps cementing a legendary chapter in MMA history.
Dream Matchups That Could Rescue the Year
Beyond titles and rankings, the beauty of MMA lies in dream matchups that fans have pined for since the sport’s infancy. Sean O’Malley versus Cody Garbrandt epitomizes this. Once expected to collide in a superfight, their paths diverged, but the desire remains. O’Malley, a charismatic and explosive talent, exudes confidence, claiming he’d knock out Garbrandt, a fighter with fire but recent struggles. The potential for an intense, action-packed fight with personal baggage makes this scenario irresistible. It’s a perfect matchup for a high-energy card and the kind of fight that can catapult fighters into superstardom.
Simultaneously, the UFC’s talent pool features fighters like Pico and Evloev, whose matchups could invigorate divisions. Pico, once lauded as a future champion, has yet to make his debut due to circumstances beyond his control. His style—an exciting blend of striking and grappling—would make for an electrifying addition to any card. A clash against Rodriguez could reignite fan interest and showcase Pico’s potential. Alternatively, pairing Pico versus Evloev might test his resilience against one of the best grapplers in the division, setting the stage for future greatness.
The UFC’s charm lies in its capacity to craft these narrative-rich, electrifying battles. Whether it’s a title unification or a fresh rivalry born of mutual disdain, the sport flourishes when it delivers moments of high drama and visceral excitement. The remaining months of 2023 could, if strategically booked, turn into one of the most memorable chapters in MMA history—if the promotion embraces creativity over convention.
Unleashing the true potential of the UFC’s schedule requires daring ambitions, storytelling mastery, and an understanding that fans crave not just fights, but moments that define eras. The fighters ready to step into the ring are more than competitors—they are the architects of the sport’s next legendary chapter.